ry bright and very hopeful. It is better she should
be kept so."

Barney listened with face growing grey, his eyes looking out of their
deep sockets with the piteous, mute appeal of an animal stricken to
death. He moistened his lips and tried to speak, but, failing, kept
his eyes fixed on Lady Ruthven's face as if seeking relief. Charrington
turned his head away.

"We feel thankful for her great courage," said Lady Ruthven, in her
sweet, calm voice, "and for her peace of mind."

At last Barney found his voice. "Does she suspect anything?" he asked
hoarsely.

"I think she must, but she has said nothing. She has been eager all
summer to get back to her home--to you--to those she loved. She will
rejoice to see you."

Suddenly Barney dropped his face into his hands with a low, long moan.
Jack looked out upon the fleeting landscape dimmed by the tears he dared
not wipe away. A long silence followed while, drop by drop, Barney drank
his cup to the bitter dregs.

"We try to think of the bright side," at length said Lady Ruthven
gently.

Barney lifted his face from his hands, looked at her in dumb misery.

"There is the bright side," she continued, "the side of the immortal
hope. We like to think of the better country. That is our real home.
There, only, are our treasures safe." She was giving him time to get
hold of himself after the first deadly stab. But Barney made no reply
except to gravely bow. "It is, indeed, a better country," she added
softly as if to herself, "the only place we immortals can call home."
Then she rose. "Come, Jack," she said, "I think Dr. Boyle would like to
be alone." Before she turned away to another section of the carriage,
she offered him her hand with a grave, pitying smile.

Barney bowed reverently over her hand. "I am grateful to you," he said
brokenly, "believe me." His face was contorted with the agony that
filled his soul. A quick rush of tears rendered her speechless and in
silence they turned away from him, and for the long hour that followed
they left him with his grief.

When they came back they found him with face grave and steady, carrying
the air of one who has fought his fight and has not been altogether
beaten. And with that same steady face he reached the great door of
Ruthven Hall.

"Jack, you will take Dr. Boyle to his room," said Lady Ruthven; "I shall
see Iola and send for him." But just then her daughter came down the
stairs. "Mamma," she said in a low, quick ton